Trolling has long ceased to be the lot of extremely powerful four-stroke engines and expensive electric-powered boats, owners of small PVC boats or light aluminum "kazak" equipped with two-strokeBut we've seen that with the right approach, even an old two-stroke can provide the perfect speed for wiring wobbles and splendors.
The key advantage of such a bundle is high specific power and a quick response to the gas handle. yamaha or tohatsu With a 9.9 horsepower throttle limiter, it works wonders at low speeds, and the key is not just to fix the hummingbird, but to understand the physics of the propeller and the effect of wind on the craft.
In this article, we'll take you through all the nuances of the setup, from the choice of propeller to safety, so that your fishing experience is efficient. You'll learn how to turn a fast-moving motor into a delicate tool for catching a trophy pike or pike. The ideal trolling speed for a two-stroke engine is usually in the range of 2.5-4 km / hThis is achieved not only by gas, but also by the correct selection of equipment.
Features of two-stroke engines wiring
Two-stroke engines differ structurally from their four-stroke counterparts in that they have a wider range of steady speeds at low speeds, due to the peculiarities of mixing and the lack of complex timing systems, which gives an undeniable advantage in trolling: the motor is less likely to stall when a sharp change in load, for example, when a screw hits a grass thicket.
But there's also the flip side of the coin, which is vibration, and when you're idling, a two-stroke can transmit a tangible shivering to the transom of a boat. Vibration. It's transmitted to rods, which can be unnatural to play bait and scare away the careful fish, and the solution is to get the motor right and use shock-absorbing pads for the rods.
Another important aspect is sound. Two-stroke motors, especially carburetor models like this. Mercury or SuzukiThey make a distinctive, low-speed sound, and some anglers think it scares away fish, others think it attracts curious predators, and anyway, you better troll with a forced lubrication engine or a well-cooked mixture to minimize smoke and noise.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a two-stroke engine running at idle speeds in water for more than 15-20 minutes, which leads to candles and tailwinds coking, as the cooling system at low speeds can be inefficient.
Selection of the screw: criteria for fishing on the go
A properly selected propeller is 80% of the success of trolling on a two-stroke engine. Standard screws, which come with the engine, often have too much pitch, which does not allow you to develop enough traction at minimum revs. Trolling requires a screw with a reduced pitch that will provide powerful traction even with the minimum opening of the throttle.
For 9.9-15 hp engines, the best solution is a 7-inch or 8-inch screw. These models are often labeled "Thruster" or "Low Speed," which allow the engine to operate at the optimal speed range without choking or overheating.
- 🚀 Screw pitch: The smaller the step, the lower the speed and the higher the thrust at the bottom.
- 💨 Number of blades: Three-bladed screws provide a smoother ride, and four-bladed - better traction and stability on the course.
- ⚙️ Material: Aluminum screws are easier to handle after impacts, but composite (plastic) screws often have a more complex blade geometry useful for trolling.
Don't ignore the condition of the screw. Even a small serrated edge of the blade can cause cavitation and loss of speed. Regularly inspect the screw and polish it if necessary. It is also important to check the condition of the lower unit washer, as its wear can lead to backlashes and vibrations.
Technical methods of speed limiting
Just unscrewing the gas handle to the point is not an option, because the motor can go into a mode where the mixture becomes too poor or too rich. For stable trolling, you need to mechanically limit the throttle stroke. The easiest and most reliable way is to use plastic knuckles or special restrictive screws, if the design of the motor allows them to be installed.
In many modern models, such as Yamaha 9.9 GMHSThere's a power limit system already in place, which is ideal for trolling, but if you have an old model, you can use the cranking method, but remember that the fixation must be reliable, but it can quickly release the gas in an emergency.
Sequence of setting the limiter:1. Start the engine and warm it up.
2. Smoothly open the throttle until you reach the desired speed (by GPS).
3. fix the position of the throttle with a clamping or screw.
4. Check the stability of the revolutions for 5 minutes.
And you also have to mention the fuel mix adjustment, which is that you can dilute the mixture a little bit on carburetor engines at idle speeds, so that the engine runs more steadily at minimum speeds, but you have to be very careful not to overheat the piston group.
☑️ Adjustment of the motor for trolling
Navigation and speed control without electric traction
Lack of an electric anchor motor does not mean you can’t control speed with high precision. Modern GPS navigators and sonars allow you to track bottom speed (SOG) to within 0.1 km/h. This is critical, as water speed and bottom speed can vary greatly due to the flow.
If you troll against the current, you'll have faster speeds on the water and lower speeds on the bottom. And vice versa, if you go downstream, the motor may run at higher speeds, but the boat's speed will be minimal. Use GPS data to calibrate the position of the throttle.
| Conditions | GPS speed. | Engine rotations | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stile, no current. | 3.0 km/h | Minimum | Basic setting |
| Back wind | 4.5 km/h | Minimum | Reduce gas or use a sail anchor |
| Wind in the forehead | 1.5 km/h | Average. | Add gas, monitor the temperature |
| Strong current vs. | 2.0 km/h | High. | Change course or fishing position |
It is important to keep an eye on the sounder at all times, and if you see that the fish react only at a certain speed, try to steer the course perpendicular to the wind or current to minimize the impact on the boat's speed.
Safety and Ecology on Water
Two-stroke trolling requires increased attention to safety. A long rope with let go gear creates a risk of getting tangled in the screw when maneuvering. Always carry a knife to cut the line and make sure passengers know which side to bypass the working engine.
The environmental aspect is also not to be ignored: two-stroke engines throw some of the unburned oil into the water. TC-W3They burn more completely and pollute less, and not only do they care about nature, but they also guarantee a clean candle and no scoop.
When traveling in a group of boats, keep your distance. Trolling boats move slowly and unpredictable to others. Always designate yourself with bright flags or vests, especially in low visibility or on the wave.
⚠️ Warning: When trolling at night, it is mandatory to have a white circular light on the mast or high pole, visible from all sides, and driving without running lights is forbidden by the rules and deadly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a two-stroke 15 hp engine be used for trolling without modifications?
You can use it, but without a stopper, the motor will stall or go too fast, and you will need to mechanically lock the throttle in a position corresponding to 2-3 km / h.
Which gasoline is better to pour for long trolling?
Use AI-95 gasoline from proven gas stations. For two-stroke engines, the quality of the oil and the correct ratio of the mixture (usually 1:50 for modern engines) are more important than the octane number, if it meets the manufacturer's requirements.
The engine is running low, what should I do?
The problem is probably a contaminated carburetor, improper idling or using old fuel, and check the ignition system and the condition of the candle.
Is it harmful for the engine to work 5-6 hours in a row at minimum speeds?
Long-term operation at minimum speeds is harmful to any internal combustion engine. It is recommended to give the engine a load every 1.5-2 hours, having passed the section on full gas for 2-3 minutes to clean the candles and burn out the charcoal.